backhander

noun

back·​hand·​er ˈbak-ˈhan-dər How to pronounce backhander (audio)
1
British : bribe
2
: a backhand shot

Examples of backhander in a Sentence

She hit a backhander into the net. the customs official let us know that he might be prepared to look the other way if an appropriate backhander was slipped into his palm
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sonny Milano tied it up just 31 seconds later when his backhander got up over DiPietro’s glove shoulder. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 21 Sep. 2025 Florida led 1-0 just past halfway through the first period on what was credited as a backhander by Niko Mikkola. Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 25 May 2025 After Aho was called for a retaliatory roughing penalty on Anton Lundell, Verhaeghe posted up like a basketball player and roofed a backhander past Freddie Andersen under the bar for a 1-0 lead — his 31st career playoff goal in 82 games. Michael Russo, New York Times, 21 May 2025 As Souliere scrambled back into the crease, Ali spun and fired a backhander that found the back of the net for a 3-1 Irish lead. Patrick Donnelly, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for backhander

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of backhander was in 1803

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Cite this Entry

“Backhander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backhander. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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